Newsletter 14.09.2023 - Canal Way Educate Together National School, Dublin 8

Message from Dermot

Welcome to this brief Newsletter.

The school is a back up and running for the new school year. Not without some drama which we always love around here – we had a serious problem with our water supply, as some of you may know, and we worked extremely hard over the end of last week, and all over the weekend to resolve it. We managed to keep the school open against all odds, which I was delighted about. We will be getting a more permanent solution over the November break and we are currently embarking on planning that piece of work.

We have welcomed another two teaching staff members to our school and will be welcoming another SNA in the coming weeks. You can see our updated staff page with details – Welcome teachers Helen, Valeriia and SNA Sinead.

We also have a teacher from Germany on an internship, Cara, and we will be welcoming two more teachers also from Germany, Lara and Leon, in the coming weeks.

Our Core Value this month is Belonging. Our song for the month is We Are Family by Sister Sledge.

Beir Bua – Dermot

Community

The new LINEAR PARK has opened at the top of the street. Some of our children went to the opening event. It is a lovely park and has a walk way through it which many are using on their commute.

There have been some concerns raised within our community regarding the park’s facilities, layout and safety. If your child is going there unattended on their way home from school, we advise you to personally visit the park and determine whether you feel this is a facility that you are comfortable with your child being in, without you present.

LIBERTY SAINTS YOUTH RUGBY will be running every Sunday, from 10:00-11:00 on the grounds of St. James’ National School, James’ Walk. They are offering rugby for Girls and Boys from ages 7-13.

NEW Sign in / Sign Out Books

We are using new books to sign in and sign out at reception, which comply with General Data Protection Regulations – they do not allow you see the names of those that have previously signed. They are causing some confusion however – PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME exactly where it says PRINT YOUR NAME. You will not be able to see it, which is the whole idea !

See picture, thanks. ;o)

Extracurricular Activities

The Parents Association is currently working with us to arrange ‘CWETNS Extracurricular Activities’ and I would like to thank them for their support. There is much appreciation for this initiative and also much anticipation for these to start. We have new staff this year which means we are reshaping the ECA’s, and this takes time.

Please note that ECA’s are not the top priority for the school at the start of September. We are extremely busy at this time of the year, working on the primary focus of the school – teaching and learning.

Thanks for your patience and we will be in touch when we finalise the activities and get Board of Management approval.

Teaching and Learning, and Child Protection TUSLA.

The Department of Education has published a NEW MATHS CURRICULUM for children in primary and special schools. The curriculum sets out what children will learn in maths in every school. There is an information leaflet for you – CLICK HERE

TUSLA have issued new guidelines on Child Protection Circular 36/2023. These are revised and updated reporting procedures on Child Safeguarding.

We will be having our annual review of the CWETNS Anti-bullying Policy and Child Protection Policy in the coming month. If you have any contributions or observations, please let me know – [email protected]. Policies can be found on our publications page on our website.

Second Level Schools OPEN DAY & Scholarships

Our next door neighbours – ST JAMES’S SECOND LEVEL SCHOOL are hosting their open day from 09.30 – 12.00 tomorrow. This is a great opportunity for you to go and have a look around to see facilities and learn about the school, and explore this as a possible second level option for your child.

ST PATRICKS SECOND LEVEL SCHOOL have contacted us and given details about music scholarships they have in their school – CLICK FOR DETAILS.

Materials Money

Thanks you to the families who have paid their materials money. We kindly ask that the remaining families make payment at your earliest convenience. You can pay in instalments, and as always if you need to discuss this, please contact me in confidence – [email protected]

Your child has 24 / 7 Accident Insurance.

As part of your materials money contribution, we purchase 24/7 Accident Insurance for your child. This covers medical and dental expenses you may incur, should your child have an accident. This cover runs through all holiday periods.

Details of the policy, and a claim form can be found on our publication page on our website

If you want to make a claim, please contact the school and we will support you filling out forms etc.